When you think “Hollywood heir,” you probably imagine designer sunglasses, trust funds, and a publicist on speed dial and not timecards, spreadsheets, and Monday-morning Zoom calls.
But the truth is that not every “nepo kid” or celebrity heir chooses the life of luxury. Instead, some of them have chosen the path of the humble (ish) 9-to-5. Why? Because even when your last name opens doors, purpose comes from what you do.
The following are the top 10 Hollywood heirs who secretly (or, not so secretly) work 9-to-5 jobs, trading the Hollywood glow.
1. Raphael De Niro
Source: IMDB
Being the son of Robert De Niro, the cinematic godfather himself, for his son, Raphael, to decide “Nah, I’d rather sell lofts in SoHo,” is quite different, isn’t it? Instead of chasing Oscars, he’s chasing closings. Raphael co-founded The De Niro Team under the luxury brokerage Douglas Elliman and has handled some of Manhattan’s biggest property deals. So, instead of red carpets and cameras like his father, Raphael’s day is filled with contracts, showings, and negotiations. He is establishing his legacy one square foot at a time, not on screen. He is a former actor, though, having a few acting credits to his name.
2. Ben Ford
Source: Reddit
Being Harrison Ford’s son comes with certain expectations, maybe flying the Millennium Falcon or brooding like Indiana Jones. But, Ben Ford? He’d rather be behind a grill. A trained chef and owner of Ford’s Filling Station, Ben’s world revolves around kitchen heat, prep lists, and perfecting flavors. He is stuck at his restaurant, working long hours, handling vendor calls, and dealing with burnt fingers. But let’s be honest, that’s his calling. He thrives there. He even authored Taming the Feast, a cookbook that celebrates communal dining, offering us a glimpse into his daily life.
3. Willard Ford
Source: Pinterest
Another Ford, another unexpected twist. Willard Ford (Harrison’s other son) didn’t follow his dad into acting either. Instead, he went the entrepreneurial route, opening gyms and wellness spaces in Los Angeles long before “self-care” became a hashtag. He is pretty passionate about fitness, community, and sustainability, which he has translated into his work. Willard’s 9-to-5 includes scheduling classes, managing memberships, and making sure treadmills don’t squeak. Although not as glamorous as his father’s, perhaps that’s the point.
4. Luke Murray
Public Domain, Link
Bill Murray’s son could’ve coasted on his dad’s cool factor forever. Instead, he chose playbooks instead of punchlines. He’s a respected college basketball coach, most recently serving as an assistant coach for UConn. His day-to-day routine involves practicing drills, analyzing film, mentoring athletes, and enduring extensive travel. Although not as witty a life as his father’s, Luke has mentioned that his career is gratifying. He might not have inherited his dad’s comedic timing, but he has surely mastered teamwork and hustlework.
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5. Zak Williams
Source: IMDB
Robin Williams’ son, Zak, grew up surrounded by laughter, which was later replaced by profound loss. However, rather than dwelling on the family’s fame, Zak built a life grounded in business and service. With a background in finance, he’s worked as a strategy consultant and investor. However, he knew that his true calling was elsewhere, in mental health advocacy. After his father’s passing, Zak co-founded Pym, a company dedicated to natural mood-support supplements, and he actively promotes mental-health awareness across the U.S. The entirety of his career is strictly driven by empathy, proving that healing others can be a full-time job as well.
6. Isabella “Bella” Kidman Cruise
Source: Link
With Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as parents, Bella Cruise could’ve lived life as Hollywood’s favorite socialite. Instead, she chose a life away from the limelight, focusing on fabric, design, and creation. Bella runs her own clothing line, BKC, out of London, designing edgy, contemporary pieces that blend her bohemian style with streetwear chic. In her everyday life, Bella is focused on sketching, coordinating with manufacturers, and building an independent brand from scratch, one that is separate from her parents’.
7. Annie Guest
Source: IMDB
Instead of walking red carpets, Annie Guest, Jamie Lee Curtis’ daughter, is teaching pirouettes. A trained dancer with degrees in fine arts and movement, Annie now works as a dance instructor and studio manager in Los Angeles. Her work schedule thus involves early morning warmups, choreography planning, student rehearsals, and administrative tasks. During certain media encounters, Annie has mentioned that she thrives in the discipline and structure of her art. Beyond showcasing her own talent, Annie is dedicated to teaching the next generation of performers.
8. Tindyebwa Agaba Wise
Source: Link
Emma Thompson’s adopted son, Tindyebwa Agaba Wise, has one of the most quietly inspiring stories in this list. He was a former child soldier rescued from Rwanda, and later served as a detective in London’s Criminal Investigation Department, before moving into human rights advocacy. With his rough life growing up, Tindy has turned that into inspiration, working with charities, supporting refugees, and speaking on issues of equality and education. This is the kind of work that changes people’s lives for the better.
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9. Hannah Margaret Selleck
Source: Facebook
Tom Selleck’s daughter, Hannah, was practically born into the Hollywood hills. Instead of choosing fame and limelight, Hannah is a professional equestrian who owns Descanso Farm, a horse-breeding and training facility. Her daily life involves sunrise rides, feeding routines, grooming schedules, and the meticulous care of champion horses. She has become the master of P.R.: patience and reins. What’s great is her discipline and dedication towards her work, and the kind of support she has received from her family throughout the experience.
10. Max Spielberg
Source: Link
When your dad is Steven Spielberg, you could easily live off royalties and a Rolodex full of A-listers. But Max Spielberg? He went digital. He is a game designer and has spent years crafting immersive gaming experiences. You could say his career is inspired by his father’s, especially in the technical and creative aspects. A lot of his work involves coding, art design, team meetings, and product deadlines, which is the backbone of the gaming industry.
Final Words
If there’s anyone who defines “Legacy is earned, not inherited,” these 10 Hollywood kids are the perfect example of the same. They could have coasted on their parents’ fame and connections, but they chose to craft their own. So next time you roll your eyes at “nepo babies,” remember: some of them are probably filling spreadsheets, teaching dance, or managing small businesses while you scroll.
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